Introduction to NEPA
ENVR-40017
Introduction to NEPA
This course provides students with an introduction to one of the most important environmental laws in the United States. Students will learn about the purpose and intent of NEPA, the NEPA review process, and the types of projects that are subject to NEPA review. Students will learn how NEPA integrates with environmental laws implemented at the state level, and will learn how to effectively approach a joint environmental review process that complies with federal and state requirements. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and case studies, students will gain a deeper understanding of NEPA and its role in promoting environmental protection and sustainability across the United States.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain an overview of NEPA documentation and guidelines
- Know when a NEPA review is triggered and tips for managing this process
- Learn how to coordinate a joint review process for NEPA and CEQA
- Understand how to develop NEPA and CEQA analyses and documentation
AICP Credit
AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity. For a list of additional AICP CM Events at UC San Diego Extended Studies go to American Planning Association.
CM | 26 |
CM | 1 | Law
Other Credits : UC San Diego certifies this activity is approved by the State Bar of California for 20 hours of MCLE credit.
Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
No textbook required.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 7/21/2025
Schedule:
Instructor:
Lorraine Ahlquist
Lorraine Ahlquist is a Principal Environmental Scientist at Ninyo and Moore and has over 25 years of experience in the state, federal, private research and academic sectors. She has focused on issues related to regulatory management and research within the following areas: environmental policy (California Environmental Quality Act-CEQA and National Environmental Policy Act-NEPA), community based natural resources management, urban planning and management (including areas of regulatory oversight), bio-diversity conservation, environmental education, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), plant, animal, and water protection, and global climate change.
Her responsibilities have included the preparation and review of environmental documents such as Environmental Impact Reports (EIR), Mitigated Negative Declarations (MND), Negative Declarations (ND), environmental documents Addendums, Categorical Exemptions (CE) and Initial Studies under CEQA. Other federal (NEPA) transportation, military and energy projects have included the preparation, review and coordination of Environmental Impact Study (EIS), Environmental Assessments (EA) and Categorical Exclusions (CatEx.) for Caltrans Local Assistance and Oversight, Department of Army, Bureau of Land Management, United States Forest Service, and United States Corps. of Engineers as well as coordinating reviews of technical studies for state and federal compliance. Lorraine has been involved in the approval and review of Tentative Parcel Maps, Minor and Major Use Permits, Zoning ordinances, and environmental review of private land development (L-Grading permits) and coordination on several County and City of San Diego Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and Department of Planning and Land Use (DPLU) public works projects.
